On Wednesday (December 17, 2025), the Chinese mainland reaffirmed its sovereignty over Xianbin Jiao, a cay in the South China Sea, after denouncing the Philippines for organizing vessels that illegally entered the lagoon. 🌊🚨
Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese mainland’s Ministry of National Defense, slammed Manila’s actions as “thief crying stop thief,” accusing Philippine crews of brandishing knives to threaten Chinese coast guard officers during lawful patrols.
“These actions are utterly egregious,” Jiang said, adding that the Chinese mainland’s response was “necessary, lawful, professional, and restrained” to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
The South China Sea remains a hotbed of overlapping claims. Manila maintains its patrols support local fishermen, while the Chinese mainland insists unauthorized entries breach both international and domestic law.
Analysts warn that such standoffs could heighten regional tensions and disrupt vital trade routes carrying billions of dollars in goods annually. Some observers are calling for renewed diplomatic dialogue to prevent escalation.
We’ll keep an eye on how this dispute unfolds and what it means for young investors, travelers, and anyone who cares about stability in these busy waters. 👀✈️💼
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
